Description
These Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies are irresistibly soft and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with a lemon cake mix and cream cheese, they have a rich, buttery texture and a delightful lemony zing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Coating & Garnish
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add flavors and egg: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until everything is well combined and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate cake mix: Gradually add the lemon cake mix to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until fully incorporated into a dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, which makes it easier to handle and enhances the texture of the cookies.
- Form dough balls: Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked, indicating they are perfectly gooey inside.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add finishing touch: Once cooled, optionally sprinkle the cookies with lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus flavor and a pretty visual finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing.
- Chilling the dough is key to preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Rolling in powdered sugar creates a delicate sweet coating and enhances texture.
- Lemon zest add both flavor and decorative appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
